Lots of interesting idea’s presented a couple that caught my attention were to do with Permits
Permits needing a plot, so 3 permits on planet needs 3 plots. I like this idea
The permits gaining area 500/750/1000 as you go out further great idea, i would be FAR more tempted to go out into the 1k zone to make a more efficient base at the cost of fuel.
I agree with FTL being to cheap compared to STL travel. my only though on this is next universe ships have STL/FTL and JMP drives
STL/FTL is like current but JMP can skip entire systems at a much higher cost then FTL to get there but at a much reduced time frame.
So the current map i took a look at OT-627a to BS-987s (top of map to the bottom)
roughly 51 jumps i think slowest pace is 9d 9h and fastest is 6d 6h
Using the starter ship changed to large fuel tanks.
fastest flight is 950 SF and 1972 FF, or ~38k in fuel (13/u)
JMP would offer that flight at 1/2 the time for 2.25x the cost or 3D 3h for 86k
or some derivative therein.